Narrow Road Scares Morgan County Drivers

PRICEVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) – Have you ever driven on a road that was so narrow you had to pull off to the side to let a driver going in the opposite direction pass you? Certainly there are lots of small roads in north Alabama where that could happen. Few of them as busy as Mountain Valley Road in Priceville in Morgan County.

The road isn’t jammed, but it is definitely busy enough to warrant concern, and one driver who uses it says having to pull off the road to make sure there’s room for oncoming vehicles to pass isn’t acceptable. “You shouldn’t. Years ago this road served its purpose, but now we have a lot of people living out in this area,” says Robert Peppers.

The number of people is growing all the time as a nearby new sub division is adding homes. Those people will likely want to use Mountain Valley because it’s the shortest route to Highway 67. “A lot of people use that road. Not me, I’ve quit using it. I’ll go around,” says John Hancock.

Drivers worry most about encountering someone who isn’t familiar with the situation. “Well, that’s when you’ve got to be a courteous driver and you get off the edge of the road,” says Robert Peppers. “Well, it would be so much nicer if you didn’t have to be so careful. You really have to be on your toes,” says Bobbie Gordon.

Not only is road too narrow for vehicles to pass comfortably, there’s an intersection where a driver wanting to turn on to Mountain Valley, has to wait on a driver turning out of it. The road at the stop sign isn’t wide enough for any two vehicles to pass.

The bottom line on this quarter mile of road comes from one of its regular users. “It needs correcting. It’s dangerous,’ says John Hancock.

After seeing the road, and driving it, we agree with Mr. Hancock. That’s why we’re taking action and discussing the situation with city and county officials, This piece of road, needs help.